212’s John Jewett Unveils Incredible Transformation Just 10 Weeks Before Epic Debut at 2023 Legion Sports Fest Pro

Bodybuilding standout John Jewett, known for his success in the 212 category, is now setting his sights on the Men’s Open division. In a recent Instagram post, Jewett shared an update showcasing his ripped physique and announced his intention to compete at the upcoming 2023 Legion Sports Fest Pro, scheduled for October 7-8. Jewett earned his IFBB Pro card at the NPC USA Championships in 2016 and has since been a consistent presence at Pro shows. Although he struggled to secure victories initially, everything changed for Jewett in 2019 when he claimed the 212 title at the Tampa Pro. This win qualified him for his first Mr. Olympia contest, where he finished in fourth place. However, Jewett’s performance at the 2020 Olympia dropped to 13th place. Undeterred, he pushed through a busy season in 2021 and achieved his best showing at the New York Pro, where he placed second. This year, Jewett has been eager to make a name for himself, and he recently won the 212 title at the 2023 Lenda Murray Atlanta Pro. While this secured him a 212 qualification for the Olympia in November, Jewett still wasn’t satisfied. He revealed his plans to compete in the Men’s Open division in October, following the trend of 212 Bodybuilders switching divisions. Jewett believes that cutting weight to meet the 212-pound limit may be compromising his overall look, and he wants to see how he fares without restrictions. He also believes that competing in the Open division will give him greater exposure to bodybuilding fans worldwide. Currently weighing in at 225 pounds, Jewett sees the Legion Sports Fest Pro as an ideal show because it falls four weeks before this year’s Olympia contest. He views it as a deload diet break that won’t detract from his Olympia preparation. Additionally, the event will serve as a barometer for him to assess his performance and determine if this is truly his last year as a 212 competitor. Jewett is excited and ready to make his Open debut in just 10 weeks. If he qualifies for the Legion Sports Fest Pro show, he will be following in the footsteps of reigning 212 Olympia champion Shaun Clarida, who has also tested the waters as an Open athlete. Clarida’s impressive performance at the 2021 Legion Sports Fest earned him the nickname “The Giant Killer.” Despite his smaller stature, Clarida defeated competitors like Regan Grimes and Sergio Oliva Jr. Clarida’s most recent appearance in the Open division was at the 2023 Arnold Classic, where he placed fifth after going head-to-head with Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay. Jewett is not the only 212 star looking to make an impact in the Men’s Open division. Derek Lunsford, the former 2021 212 Olympia champion, proved his ability to stand alongside larger competitors when he guest posed at the Pittsburgh Pro. This prompted Olympia officials to extend a special invitation for Lunsford to compete at the Open Mr. Olympia, where he secured second place behind Hadi Choopan. Choopan, an Open bodybuilder, also began his career in the 212 category. Another 212 Bodybuilder, Tonio Burton, decided to test the Open division at the 2021 Legion Sports Fest Pro, where he finished in fourth place. The following year, Burton won the 2022 Legion Sports Fest title in the Open class. He has continued to find success, recently claiming the 2023 New York Pro title and finishing as the runner-up at the California State Pro. With an increasing number of 212 athletes transitioning to the Open class, fans have begun to question how this trend will impact judging criteria. Some prominent figures in the sport, such as Lee Priest and Iain Valliere, have even suggested eliminating the 212 category altogether. They believe that the most skilled competitors from the 212 division would still rise to the top in the Open division. As for John Jewett, he hopes to establish himself as a prominent figure in the Men’s Open division while challenging himself in a new category.